A/N: Thanks for all the amazing reviews!!! I'm still in shock after finding that I still have readers… ; ). Anywayz, on with the next chappie. Hope you like it.

P.S, lotsa readers thought that Bella and Edward were kinda rushed, but admit it: How long more could you bear to see them apart? Thought so.

DISCLAIMER: Ya' know, I'm getting kinda worried for you if you still don't know I'm not SM. Just sayin'.

CHAPTER 11 : THE WRATH OF DADDY DEAREST

Previously: (that sounds so cool!)

He smiled, sensing my reluctance to explain the Dan/Serena relationship history.

We talked a little, and joked a lot on the way home…until he pulled up to my drive.

"So…" He announced, cutting the engine.

"Do you need me as back-up?"

***

"That would be great, but somehow I get the feeling that you're not exactly bullet-proof…I bet Charlie's still got his gun back from his Chief Swan days." I said lightly. Edward paled, as if he'd just seen a ghost.

"Edward?" I called, waving my hands in front of his face. He signaled for me to turn my sights on my front door. To my dismay, there stood Charlie, Renée trailing behind him. But that wasn't the source of my…fear. No, that was far from it. Because nestled in Charlie's hands, was his gun.

I gulped.

***

APOV

I was glad Rose and I had had the sense to wait for Bella at her place to hear her dish on her date, because right now, I was almost positive Charlie would have shot my brother if it weren't for us girls.

I shuddered.

Charlie was fuming, Rose was worried; as was I; Bella was scared, for Edward, Edward was worried about Bella, and Renée was…smiling? Seriously? Suddenly, everyone else was drawn to her mysterious smile.

"I'm just happy Bells has found someone for her. And you should be too, Charlie," She lectured. "God knows she's waited long enough. I mean Carlisle, Esme, Lilian (Rose and Jazz's mom) and Robert (their dad) had to go through this like, four years ago! It's about time Bella has a boyfriend, or I'd be worried." Her eyes twinkled. Have I ever mentioned that I really like Bella's mom? Well, I do.

Charlie suddenly sighed, defeated. "You're right." Well that was unexpected!

"Of course I am," Renée said smugly. "Wait, I am?" She did a double take, as did the rest of us. Charlie never admitted defeat. Like, never.

"I just want the best for you, Bell." He said softly. Aww… "And I guess Edward here is better than any other random Yale guy. After all, I've known him since he was a baby. No one else that I trust more to take care of my baby girl." Okay, everybody: Aww…

"Thanks, Dad." Bella said, getting up to hug her parents.

"Just try not to get caught the next time, okay? I might be okay with it, but that doesn't mean I want to see it." Charlie said lightly, but seriously.

"Speaking about that," Bella started. Uh-oh. "How did you find out?"

Awkward silence.

"Umm…"Rose finally spoke up. She was always the first to break the silence. "See, that was our fault, Bells. We were kinda hanging out, waiting for you to get back…then well, ring ring, Gossip Girl. And Ali, being Ali," Rose rolled her eyes. I crossed my arms, offended. "She squealed. Really loud. Poor ol' Pops here," Rose gestured at Charlie. "Was worried about her."

"Oh." Bella remarked.

"Actually," Edward spoke up for the first time. "I was wondering, since our date went kinda…off track," Bella blushed. "Why don't we all go out for dinner?" He suggested.

We all agreed. "No one's prepared anything anyway." Charlie shrugged.

Of course, just as we were about to get in our rides, four distinctive tones alerted four of us to a new message while Charlie and Renée looked on, curious. Bella held up her cell for them to see.

I read it out loud:

Gossip Girl here. Seems like E's already meeting the in-laws…hmm, wasn't Daddy S a police chief? Might want to get some bullet-proof gear there, E. After all, the UES is so much more fun now that you're here. You know you love me,

Xoxo,

Gossip Girl.

BPOV

And below that, of course, were pictures. Namely, pictures of us, taken just minutes ago, showing our little 'talk'.

Charlie was beyond mad. "WHO THE HELL DOES SHE THINK SHE IS?! SNOOPING AROUND PEOPLE'S LIFE!" I sighed…this is EXACTLY why my parents moved from the UES when I was young, along with the Cullens and the Hales.

"Dad, let her do what she wants. Don't let it bug you." I sighed.

He nodded, though he wasn't pleased, and we finally went for dinner. Rose and Ali rode in Ali's car, of course, my parents went in my dad's car, and after much persuasion, my dad allowed me to ride with Edward. I just needed some time away from the parents…not to mention, I needed to find out how Edward felt about the whole 'in-laws' thing. Damn, that girl really knows how to mess things up!

"Edward," I said quietly when we were in the car.

"Yes, love?" I swooned. Actually, seriously, swooned.

But before I could embarrass myself with some sappy romantic line, Blair called. And I knew this because of her ringtone. Saved by the bell, though I'm not sure I wanted to be saved this time.

"Blair!" I exclaimed, truly happy to hear from her.

"My, my, cousin dearest. You have some explaining to do." I rolled my eyes. Blair hadn't pulled the cousin card for years. That probably meant Serena wasn't there.

"Lemme guess: S is out with Lonely Boy, you're lonely because Bass isn't there, and you decided to use the cousin card to get more deets?" Edward seemed confused by the nicknames. It was as if I was talking in code.

"Guilty as charged," Blair said, amused. "Where is that Greek God of yours, anyway?"

"Right next to me." I said seriously. Edward held out his hand for the phone. I raised an eyebrow skeptically then sighed. "Wanna talk to him?"

"Yes yes yes!" Blair said like an over-excited five-year-old on Christmas morning. I giggled and put her on loudspeaker.

"So, to what do I owe the honor of speaking to her Highness, Blair Cornelia Waldorf?" Edward asked jokingly.

"Hmm…I like him already." Blair giggled.

"Hey, what about me?" I mock-pouted, even though I knew Blair couldn't see me.

"Is she pouting?" She asked Edward.

"Yes." Edward said, glancing at me. I could tell he was highly amused.

"Well, then, cousin dearest, let me enlighten you. We're going to Volterra!" She squealed.

Much to my embarrassment, I squealed too.

"What's in Volterra?" Edward asked politely.

"Nessie!" We both answered. (woo hoo, I'm writing myself in!)

"The Loch Ness?" Edward was puzzled. "I thought it was supposed to be in Scotland…"He trailed off, confused. We burst out laughing.

"Not the Loch Ness- Nessie! The sixth princess of the UES!" I explained. His mouth formed a little 'o' shape.

"Well, I guess I'd better get going. Bass is coming over to pick me up soon. I'll talk to you soon, Bellsie." I grimaced at her old nickname for me as she hung up.

"Bellsie?" Edward grinned.

"Just drive." I growled playfully.

"Ay ay, ma'am!" He mock-saluted.

***

Well, at least this one has no cliffy, right??? Hope you guys like it…

Ok, I'm off to kick-start my three-day-Christmas-party! And I'm sure you guys are gonna be busy too, but remember, don't do anything I wouldn't do…after all, we still have to bounce back for the New Years'. Till then,

Xoxo,

R.

Merry Christmas, and I'll see you before the year ends...after all, who knows what the UES might get up to on Boxing Day?